Toxic toads creeping into SWFL backyards

One pet owner tells us his dog, Stella, came across one in their yard this week.

Shane Karalewitz found Stella stumbling inside the home, whimpering and pawing at her mouth. Because of a post he saw on social media, he knew it could have been a poisonous toad.

He rushed Stella into the shower and started washing out her mouth.

"At first, I thought she had gotten into something that physically hurt her," said Karalewitz. "Then I came out and immediately pulled her mouth open because she was pawing at her mouth and could see the real red, inflamed guns and stuff in her mouth."

His best advice to other pet owners is to read about the toads, have water handy, and have your vet on speed dial.

Vets said the toads are more active during the summer, especially late at night and into the early morning.